Rebuild Hoboken, a non-profit begun in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, held an upscale gala on Saturday night at the W Hotel. The fund was started to give money to Hoboken residents affected by the storm who had not been able to meet all of their needs through other relief.

Prior to the gala, Rebuild Hoboken set a goal of $1 million. With this new money raised, they are just below their target.

Haven Savings Bank, a sponsor of the event, donated $250,000 in the beginning of January.

Rebuild Hoboken committee chair Chris Mackin announced then that he and other volunteers would coordinate a VIP cocktail party. Other committee members for Rebuild Hoboken include the chairman, former Sen. Bernard Kenny, Vice Chair Larry Henriques, Treasurer Toni Tomarazzo, Board Secretary Scott Delea, and trustees Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Joe Mindak, and Msgr. Robert Meyer.

The event featured an open bar as well as food and desserts from local restaurants such as The Fig Tree, Sushi Lounge, and Madison Bar and Grill.

Star-studded

The gala was well-attended, seeing close to 400 attendees and some local celebrities. Among the stars were the Manzos of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro Jr., and Dancing with the Stars’ Anna Demidova. Board Chairman Bernard Kenny and Mayor Dawn Zimmer spoke at the beginning of the gala along with Lt Gov. Kim Guadagno, who quipped that she was acting governor that night, with Chris Christie out of the state.

Famed pianist ELEW took center stage midway through the night. Guests circled around the piano and marveled at his touching renditions of popular songs.

Soon after, Valastro rolled out a custom-made cake with very fine Hoboken detail which was auctioned off for $7,000. A silent auction was held outside of the gala room featuring items such as Lady Gaga tickets, portrait photography, designer bags, and much more. There was also a live auction where a Frank Sinatra lithograph, “Just One of Those Things,” brought in $10,000. A shopping spree to King’s went for $925 and a signed Eli Manning football earned $600.

The next steps for Rebuild Hoboken

Grants are now being assessed based on the amount of qualifying applicants through RebuildHoboken.Org. The money will be distributed in phases. During phase one, the group will disperse the dollars that were raised from November through Feburary equally among the total qualifying applicants. All who qualify (those with a net loss of $5,000 or more after other aid is deducted) will receive the same amount, not to exceed $5,000. Follow-up grants will be assessed based on money earned in subsequent phases.